BEARING THE YOKE IN HUMILITY

Reflection for 14^th Sunday in Ordinary Time Year A

(Zech 9:9-10; Rm 8:9,11-13; Mt 11:25-30)

1.0. Introduction

What sorts of knowledge do we rely on when faced with challenges of life? These days motivational speakers feed us with such knowledge that tends to bring out the best in us and inspire us with positive thinking. Though such self-seeking knowledge is good, but it is highly limited! Sooner or later, we discover that the self has little or no resources to take us outside of itself and to persevere in its search. Worse still, self-motivated knowledge can hardly conquer the self, which is often our number one burden.

2.0. Knowledge for the Humble

In the first reading, the prophet Zachariah steps in  to feed us with the knowledge of the expected Saviour. He described Him as “Triumphant and victorious”, and “humble.” This is how He shall bring peace to the nations. In the Gospel this knowledge of God and of the Saviour is given as a reward to the humble of heart. Jesus declared, “I thank you, Father, Lord of heaven and earth, that you have hidden these things from the wise and understanding and revealed them to infants.” Jesus the Saviour, in whom dwells divinity in all fullness (Col 2:9), is the most humble (Phil 2:6-8). The truly humble, therefore, shall be filled with the living knowledge of God. That is why a humble person reflects the life of Christ.

Jesus says only the Father knows the Son. But knowledge of the Father belongs to the Son and “any one to whom the Son chooses to reveal Him.” To be humble, therefore, is to dispose oneself such that He can be found worthy to receive this divine illumination. It is to put on Christ (Rm 13:14; Col 3:10) in our thoughts and actions so that He can reveal to us that knowledge that flesh and blood cannot give (Mt 16:17). Yes, the flesh itself is a burden unto a spiritual life. Hence, the second reading encourages us not to live in the flesh so that the spirit of Christ can dwell in us. According to St Paul, to be chosen by the Son would then mean to have the Holy Spirit in us, and we too will become triumphant and victorious in every situation, including death.

3.0. Come and Learn

“Come to me, all who labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest.” Imagine the burden of the ignorance of God we bear! Zachariah in the first reading says, “Your king comes to you” in humility. Now He asks us to come to Him. Humility is our way of going forward to meet Jesus that He may reward us with the knowledge of God. Once this laden of ignorance is lifted, we shall have peace and rest of soul.

“Take my yoke upon you, and learn from me; for I am gentle and lowly in heart.”  The yoke of acquiring the knowledge of God in humility through Jesus Christ will always be light and easy. Within this knowledge, every burden we bear becomes light too. While knowledge of ourselves and human capabilities can be helpful at some length, they cannot guarantee peace and rest of soul. Imagine having such peace of mind that no challenges in life can alter! So when our minds are burdened, fear grips our souls, tensions rise in the heart, strength begins to fail, uncertainties becloud our vision, etc, it is time to crawl to Jesus in humility. This is time to rely on the knowledge of God for solutions.

Jesus has already humbled Himself down to our every burden; He was laden with the yoke of our sorrows that we might be relieved. He is not a motivational speaker to boost one's self-image and promises him life without suffering. No! But Jesus invites us to locate ourselves and our burdens in Him. The humble of heart are unstoppable; they have rest in their labours and peace in their struggles.

Fr Jude Chinwenwa Nwachukwu, C.Ss.R

Saints Peter & Paul Catholic Church,

Tedi-Muwo, Lagos.

Sunday, July 5^th, 2020.